Flush valve



g- 1964 F. B. LACKENMAIER ETAL 3,142,846

FLUSH VALVE Filed Aug. 26, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Han/E (Zenmazer ;y dfohn Z0, Sanderson @mwm W/7% g- 1964 F. B. LACKENMAIER ETAL 3,142,346

FLUSH VALVE Filed Aug. 26, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 fiankfi, lacienmaz'er 0707172 Z1). Sanderson United States Patent 3,142,846 FLUSH VALVE Frank B. Lackenmaier and John W. Sanderson, Delphi, Ind, assignors to Gerber Industries, Inc., a corporation of Indiana Filed Aug. 26, 1963, Ser. No. 304,315 4 Claims. (Cl. 4-62) This invention relates to a valve for toilet flush tanks and more particularly to an improved valve construction for use with flush tanks of shallow depth.

It is well known that flush tanks may be constructed of shallower depth if substantially all the contents of the flush tank will be drained therefrom before reseating of the flush valve occurs. One method of delaying re-seating of a flush valve in a toilet flush tank of shallow depth is by providing a predetermined time delay between the time the flush valve is first opened and the time when the flush valve closes, as is disclosed, for example, in Schulz Patent 2,525,556.

Prior devices that have sought the same desirable features as achieved by this invention have been complex, or have utilized extra float members, or have not been readily adapted for use with a fitting that has an overflow tube connected thereto.

Thus, the principal object of this invention is the provision of an improved flush valve of the time delay type, which improved valve is characterized by its effectiveness, reliability, inexpensiveness, and simplicity.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved flush valve of the type with a time delay feature and adapted particularly for use with a flush fitting that has an overflow tube connected thereto.

Further purposes and objects of this invention will appear as the specification proceeds.

A particular embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of our flush valve in the closed position;

FIGURE 2 is an elevational view of the device of FIG- URE 1 looking from the right of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the flush valve in the open position; and

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary, sectioned, side elevational view of the flush valve in the closed position.

Referring to the drawings, the flush valve assembly, generally indicated as 10, includes an overflow tube structure 12, which is of hollow construction and has an open upper end. Connected to the overflow tube structure 12, in laterally offset relation thereto, is a downwardly extending discharge tube 16 having an upwardly facing but inclined valve seat portion 14 at the upper end thereof. The inclined valve seat portion 14 slopes downwardly and away from the overflow tube 12.

The downwardly directed discharge tube 16 is adapted to pass through the opening normally provided in the bottom of a flush tank 18. The opening of the flush tank is sealed by means of a sealing gasket 20 of triangular cross-section, which is positioned around the discharge tube 16 below an abutment flange 21. The clamping nut 22, which threads onto the threaded portion of the discharge tube 16 and is tightened against the underside of the bottom of the flush tank 18, causes the gasket 20 to seal the annular opening between the discharge tube 16 and the opening of the flush tank 18.

The overflow tube 12, the valve seat 14 and the discharge tube 16 may be included in the same assembly and may be constructed as an integral piece. However, as shown in FIGURE 4, the tube portion itself may be made separately and may be cemented, or secured in other appropriate manner, within the opening provided in an L- shaped connecting portion 23 that may be molded integral- 1y with the valve seat portion 14 and the discharge tube 16. The described parts are preferably constructed of a molded plastic material of suitable strength so that the valve is rugged, yet economical to manufacture and not subject to corrosion.

Pivotably mounted on the L-shaped connecting portion 23 is a U-shaped lever, generally 24. Apertures 26 are provided near the ends of the arms 28 of the U-shaped lever 24 and are adapted to be pivotably received by the outwardly extending pivot fingers 30 on the overflow tube structure 12 or the connecting portion 23. The U-shaped lever 24 is preferably constructed of a molded plastic material, which has flexible or springable characteristics, whereby the arms 28 may be sprung away from each other so that the apertures 26 may be inserted upon the pivot fingers 30. The lever 24 is adapted to straddle the overflow tube structure 12 in such a manner that the bight 32 of the lever 24 is adapted to abut the exterior of the overflow tube 12 so as to provide a stop during the upward raising of the lever 24.

Securely mounted to the bight 32 of the U-shaped lever 24 and directed downwardly therefrom is a valve member 34 having a frusto-conical side portion for entering into and sealing against the circular valve seat opening 14. The valve member 34 may be secured to the bight 32 of the lever 24 in any suitable manner, as by means of a bolt 36 extending through an opening provided in the knuckle 33 on bight 32 and threadably attached to the valve member 34. Desirably, the valve member 34 is hollow so as to provide buoyancy, and preferably the valve is formed of rubber or other resilient material. It is important that the valve member 34 remain pivotably aligned with the valve seat 14 in order that the valve be guided into proper sealing engagement with the valve seat for preventing leakage of water past the seated valve.

In order to hold the valve member 34 away from sealing engagement with the valve seat 14 after the flush valve has been opened, a hollow container or box 38 with a restricted discharge therefrom is provided on one of the arms 28 of the lever 24 and is located laterally of the overflow tube 12 and is particularly arranged to provide a counterbalancing eifect for the valve 34, as hereinafter described. Preferably, the container 38 is molded integrally with the lever 24 and is made of a plastic material so as not to be subject to corrosion.

The relationship and arrangement of the container 38, hollow valve member 34, and axis of pivot of the lever 24 is so selected that when the valve member 34 first raises from the valve seat 14, the buoyancy of the hollow member 34 within the flush water contained in tank 18 operates to move the lever 24 to the position in FIGURE 3, with the center of gravity of container 38 and valve member 34 then positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axis of lever 24. The bight end of the U-shaped lever 24 inclines away from container 38 to effectively provide for a biasing moment by the valve 34 connected thereto.

The hollow container 38 is maintained in the position of FIGURE 3 by the bight 32 contacting the overflow tube 12 for preventing overtravel of the lever beyond the desired counter-balancing point. As the level of water in tank 18 first falls below valve 34, the lever 24 maintains said position by reason of the weight of water in container 38. However, as the water continues to discharge through the discharge tube 16, water is passing more slowly through the restricted discharge orifice 40 provided in the bottom of the hollow container 38. After the preselected time delay has occurred that is, when substantially all the water has been discharged from the flush tank 18 and enough water has been discharged through the orifice 40 for the weight of the valve member 34 to overcome the Weight of the container 38 and the remaining liquid contained therein, the lever 24 pivots downwardly about the pivot fingers 30, whereupon the valve 34 moves into positive sealing engagement with the valve seat 14. Thereafter, fresh water will enter to fill the tank 18.

The container 38 is provided with an ear 42 at its upper end and at the side opposite to its connection with the lever 24. The ear 42 is provided with an opening 44 for receiving the end of a chain 46 which at its opposite end is connected by means of a hook to an opening 50 in the lever 52. The lever 52 may be suitably operated by a handle 54 projecting from the flush tank 18. Thus, upon rotation of the handle 54, the lever 52, through the chain 46, lifts the lever 24, the container 38, and the valve 34 upwardly, whereupon the discharge valve is initially opened to begin the flush cycle.

It will be seen that when the flush valve is in the position of FIGURE 3, since the container 38 is secured to one arm of lever 24 and is laterally oflset from the valve member 34 and overflow tube 12, there is no interference between the parts and as a result a very compact structural arrangement is achieved. The U-shaped lever 24,

by securement of both arms thereof to pivot fingers 30 on opposite sides of overflow tube 12 insures alignment of valve 34 with valve seat 14, despite the lateral offset of counterbalance box 38, and the bight 32 conveniently serves to rigidify the arms of lever 24, to serve as a mounting for valve 34, and as a stop member for abutting tube 12 to limit movement of the counterbalance assembly.

Thus, it is seen that all the foregoing objects are accomplished by the above-described valve. In essence, the applicant has provided a simply constructed flush valve which provides a positive seal and w 'ch is of extremely reliable operation since the valve is always maintained in alignment with the valve seat 14. Furthermore, a flush valve having a minimum number of parts is provided, wherein the parts are easily assembled together without the necessity of special tools.

While in the foregoing there has been a detailed description of a particular embodiment of the present invention, it is to be understood that all equivalents obvious to those having skill in the art are to be included within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A flush valve for a flush tank of the type provided with a discharge tube having a valve seat at the upper end thereof and an overflow tube connected to said discharge tube and offset therefrom; said valve comprising, in combination, a pair of spaced pivot elements located on opposite sides of the overflow tube, a U-shaped lever having its legs pivotly mounted on said pivot elements so as to straddle the overflow tube, a valve member carried by said U-shaped lever below the bight of the U and being normally adapted to seal against said valve seat, and a hollow container mounted on one leg of said U-shaped lever and being positioned to move in a plane laterally offset from the overflow tube so that there is no engagement between the hollow container and the overflow tube, said container having a restricted discharge orifice therein for providing a time delay between the time when the valve is first opened and the time when the valve re-closes.

2. The flush valve of claim 1 wherein the bight of the U-shaped lever carries the valve member and is also positioned to engage the overflow tube to limit pivoting of the lever in one direction about said pivot elements.

3. The fiush valve of claim 1 wherein the valve seat is inclined to project downwardly in a direction away from the overflow tube and wherein the valve member is a hollow body with a frusto-conical exterior portion adapted for engagement with the valve seat.

4. The flush valveof claim 1 wherein the U-shaped lever and hollow container are integrally for-med of a plastic material which alfords spreading of the free end of the arms of the U to permit assembly of the valve on the pivot elements, and wherein the bight end of the lever inclines away from the container and carries thereon the valve member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 419,566 Scott Jan. 14, 1890 2,726,403 De Gree Dec. 13, 1955 2,773,268 Hurko et al Dec. 11, 1956 2,838,766 Porter June 17, 1958 2,894,264 Walter July 14, 1959 

1. A FLUSH VALVE FOR A FLUSH TANK OF THE TYPE PROVIDED WITH A DISCHARGE TUBE HAVING A VALVE SEAT AT THE UPPER END THEREOF AND AN OVERFLOW TUBE CONNECTED TO SAID DISCHARGE TUBE AND OFFSET THEREFROM; SAID VALVE COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A PAIR OF SPACED PIVOT ELEMENTS LOCATED ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE OVERFLOW TUBE, A U-SHAPED LEVER HAVING ITS LEGS PIVOTLY MOUNTED ON SAID PIVOT ELEMENTS SO AS TO STRADDLE THE OVERFLOW TUBE, A VALVE MEMBER CARRIED BY SAID U-SHAPED LEVER BELOW THE BIGHT OF THE U AND BEING NORMALLY ADAPTED TO SEAL AGAINST SAID VALVE SEAT, AND A HOLLOW CONTAINER MOUNTED ON ONE LEG OF SAID U-SHAPED LEVER AND BEING POSITIONED TO MOVE IN A PLANE LATERALLY OFFSET FROM THE OVERFLOW TUBE SO THAT THERE IS NO ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE HOLLOW CONTAINER AND THE OVERFLOW TUBE, SAID CONTAINER HAVING A RESTRICTED DISCHARGE ORIFICE THEREIN FOR PROVIDING A TIME DELAY BETWEEN THE TIME WHEN THE VALVE IS FIRST OPENED AND THE TIME WHEN THE VALVE RE-CLOSES. 